Argentina’s Fernández warns firms that fire staff during quarantine

Argentina's government clashed with construction firms after local group Techint said it would lay off 1,450 workers due to the halting of public works amidst the coronavirus crisis.

“If these projects are resumed, [the workers] will be hired again. Techint wants to develop [these projects] and hopes to resume works as soon as possible,” sources from the company told news portal Infobae.

President Alberto Fernández, while announcing an extension of the nationwide quarantine until April 12, said, “since we’re doing such a large effort, it isn’t pleasant for me to see someone lay off an employee.”

He also warned of dire consequences for firms that are laying off staff since the government’s measures would allow firms to keep workers.

Last week, the head of construction workers union UOCRA, Gerardo Martínez, told Radio AM750 that several “large and small” companies are about to announce layoffs and that at least 100,000 jobs are at risk.

Construction firms tried to keep “essential” works going, but in places like Salta and Santiago del Estero some major projects have been halted. 

Martínez admitted that the nationwide quarantine has led to difficulties for construction workers that need to commute. He advocated for “a mechanism” that would allow workers to move while also following health protocols.